Over 21 million join Arbaeen pilgrimage, show support for Gaza
Pilgrims display Palestinian flags amid Arbaeen pilgrimage, supporting Gaza
![Iranians mourn during Arbaeen rituals commemorating the end of the 40-day mourning period after the killing of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, in a battle in Karbala in present-day Iraq, in A.D. 680, in Shahr-e-Ray, south of Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. This year's Arbaeen was shrouded with sadness over the war in Gaza, now in its 11th month, and worries it may expand into a regional conflict with tensions spiking between Israel and Iran. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Iran_Arbaeen_24238474248534-scaled.jpg)
Over 21 million Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq, culminating on Sunday with attendees showing solidarity for Gaza. Arbaeen, meaning forty in Arabic, commemorates the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson and a key figure in Shiite Islam.
This event is one of the largest religious gatherings globally and a significant occasion for Shiites, predominantly in Iraq and Iran. Karbala, home to the mausoleums of Hussein and his brother Abbas, becomes the focal point for Shiites during this period. Pilgrims openly express their grief, crying and lamenting Hussein’s death, who was martyred in 680 in a battle with the Umayyad caliph Yazid.
This year, pilgrims prominently displayed Palestinian flags, as observed by AFP photographers, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The institution managing the Abbas mausoleum reported the total number of Arbaeen pilgrims reached 21,480,525.
Official figures from Tehran noted approximately 3.5 million of these were Iranian pilgrims. Mohammed al-Tamimi, a 32-year-old pilgrim, conveyed to AFPTV that the Palestinian flags among the pilgrims symbolised support for Palestinians and opposition to Zionist actions in Gaza.
The Arbaeen celebrations, usually held under stringent security, attracted around 22 million pilgrims last year, with Iran contributing the majority of foreign visitors, numbering four million. The conflict in Gaza was ignited by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, causing the deaths of 1,199 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Israel’s subsequent military actions have resulted in at least 40,405 deaths in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry. The UN rights office states that the majority of the deceased are women and children.
What Other Media Are Saying
- mydailyrecord.com reports that over 21 million Shiite Muslim pilgrims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq this year, reaching its peak on Sunday, marking a significant event despite ongoing global tensions.(read more)
- kpvi.com reports that millions of Shiite Muslims gathered in Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, demonstrating solidarity with Gaza and mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.(read more)
- The Mercury reports that over 21 million Shiite Muslims gathered in Iraq for Arbaeen, expressing solidarity with Gaza amidst tight security.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Arbaeen pilgrimage?
Arbaeen marks the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein’s martyrdom and is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
How many pilgrims attended the Arbaeen pilgrimage this year?
More than 21 million Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage this year.
Why were Palestinian flags displayed at the Arbaeen pilgrimage?
Palestinian flags were displayed to show support for Gaza and protest against Zionist actions.
Where is Arbaeen primarily celebrated?
Arbaeen is primarily celebrated in Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas are buried.
How did the recent war in Gaza affect the Arbaeen pilgrimage?
The recent war in Gaza led pilgrims to prominently display Palestinian flags in solidarity with Gaza.